Milan is undoubtedly one of the most famous places to visit in Italy.
If you are a fashion lover, then Milan is your paradise, if you want to see a place in a few days, then again this is the best place for you. Milan is also the perfect place to have as a base to make excursions to various places around, such as Lake Como, Florence, Venice etc.
Transportation in Milan
From Athens we landed at Malpensa airport and from there we took a bus which costs 10€ and drops you off at the Milan Central Station.
To get around the city, the public transport ticket costs €2.20 for 90 minutes, so it’s better to buy a 24-hour ticket which costs €7.60. If you stay longer than two days you can buy at the three-day ticket which costs 15.50€.
Of course always the best way to get to know a city is by walking!
Attractions in Milan
Duomo di Milano
Of course top attraction in Milan is the city’s huge cathedral. The imposing cathedral is located in Piazza Duomo and will always be surrounded by tourists – and pickpockets trying to steal unsuspecting tourists.
Ticket prices vary depending on which parts of the Duomo you want to see, for information you can visit their official website, ticket.duomomilano.it.
Museo den Novecento
Next to the Cathedral you will find an impressive museum, the Museo den Novecento. As well as the exhibits, you can go up to the top floor, where you will find a piano in front of a huge glass window overlooking the Duomo.
The ticket costs 5 euros, and if you’re under 25 it costs 3 euros.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II
On the left side of the Duomo di Milano you will find the fashion paradise, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II.
There you will find all the luxury brands, and there are also cafes to enjoy your coffee. Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s worth a visit to admire its impressive architecture.
Pinacoteca di Brera
At the Pinacoteca di Brera you’ll find pieces of art from the 13th to the 20th century. The ticket costs 15€ but if you are a EU resident and under 25 years old then the ticket costs just 2€.
Scala di Milano
One of the things Milan is famous for is Scala di Milano, a luxurious 18th century theatre famous for Italian opera and ballet performances. Tickets cost 12€.
San Siro Stadium
Of course you can’t miss a visit at the San Siro stadium, home to Milan and Inter football teams.
A regular ticket to tour costs 30€ and the reduced ticket costs 23€.
Castello Sforzesco
A huge medieval-Renaissance fortress in the heart of Milan.
The entrance to the courtyard is free and inside it houses different museums for anyone interested in the history of Milan in the Middle Ages and beyond.
All around it is surrounded by the lush green Sempione Park.
Arco della Pace
In front of the Sempione Park there is the Arco della Pace arch.
The triumphal arch was built by Luigi Cagnola by Napoleon’s order.
Giardini Indro Montanelli
A nice – and free – activity you can do in Milan is a walk in the lush green Giardini Indro Montanelli park.
The park is home to the municipal museum of natural history, the palazzo dugnani and the planetarium.
Villa Reale di Milano
Next to the Giardini Indro Montanelli Park you will see Villa Reale, a neoclassical palace and museum of contemporary art.
The villa dates back to the late 18th century and various exhibitions are hosted inside. It was once even Napoleon’s residence.
Navigli
The Navigli area is known for its twin canals and cobbled streets full of shops. It’s a place where you can enjoy the city’s nightlife like a local.
Besides the nightlife of course, you’ll also find many restaurants there to eat pizza and other Italian dishes and quite affordable prices.
Food in Milan
Pizza e Mozzarella
Of course you can’t go to Milan – and Italy in general – and not eat pizza. In Milan, if you want to eat pizza like a local, then you’ll choose Pizza e Mozzarella in the Navigli area.
The whole margarita pizza we chose was only 5€. We also tried a fried calzone, but it was awful, I don’t recommend it.
Osteria da Fortunata
If you want to eat the best carbonara in Milan, then you go to Osteria da Fortunata. Prices are not quite affordable, but it’s more than worth it. The carbonara (with egg of course, not milk cream) was fantastic.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato
Obviously in Italy you have to eat -a lot- gelato. And yes, gelato is different from ice cream.
One of the major differences is that ice cream is made with cream, while gelato is made with milk. Therefore gelato is lighter and healthier.
At Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato I tried a delicious gelato with a stracciatella and hazelnut flavor. I highly recommend it.
All’Antico Vinaio
If you want to have the famous panini sandwich in Milan, I suggest you go to All’Antico Vinaio. It’s a food chain, so you’ll find several shops in the city.
The prices are quite affordable and the portions are huge.
Pavé
For breakfast you can go to Pavé, where you will find delicious pastry at very good prices. Prices range from 2-5,50€ and you will find a wide variety of savoury and sweet dishes.
We got several, but my favourite was the Coffee braid.
What you need to know before your trip to Milan
- If you only want to see Milan and not travel to other places, two days is more than enough.
- Mobile data from Greece is available for roaming in Italy, therefore also in Milan.
- Beware of scammers and thieves in areas like Piazza Duomo.
- Don’t miss to eat authentic Italian dishes such as, pasta, pizza and gelato!
If you want to see more of my trip to Milan, visit my Instagram profile.
